Gumi Denies Supporting Bandits, Threatens Legal Action

Gumi Denies Supporting Bandits, Threatens Legal Action

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has denied allegations linking him to support for banditry in Nigeria, describing reports and materials circulating online as fake, manipulated and deliberately doctored to damage his reputation.

The Kaduna-based cleric made the clarification in a statement issued on Saturday while reacting to renewed criticism over some of his comments and engagements relating to insecurity and banditry in northern Nigeria.

According to Sheikh Gumi, individuals and groups pursuing ethnic and sectional interests have continued to misrepresent his public comments and media interviews to portray him as a supporter of armed groups.

He warned that those spreading false allegations against him could face legal action if they failed to desist.

The Islamic scholar insisted that he has never supported banditry, terrorism or violent criminal activities in any part of the country.

“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me,” Gumi stated.

He said several of his public lectures, interviews and comments on insecurity had been deliberately distorted by online content creators seeking sensational headlines, traffic and public outrage.

The cleric urged Nigerians, media organisations and government authorities to disregard misleading reports being circulated in his name.

The controversy surrounding Sheikh Ahmad Gumi intensified following recent calls for his arrest over comments perceived by critics as sympathetic to bandits operating across northern Nigeria.

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Bandit groups have been responsible for mass kidnappings, killings, attacks on villages and destruction of property in states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger and Sokoto.

One of those who recently demanded Gumi’s arrest was Abuja-based lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju.

The criticism followed an interview in which Gumi reportedly stated that bandits often demand ransom payments to restock their weapons and sustain their operations.

The remarks generated widespread backlash on social media, with many Nigerians accusing the cleric of appearing to justify criminal activities.

Despite the criticism, Gumi maintained that his engagements with armed groups over the years were aimed at promoting peace, dialogue and reconciliation.

He explained that his interventions were intended to encourage bandits to surrender violence and embrace peaceful coexistence.

The cleric also reaffirmed his loyalty to Nigeria, describing the country as a nation blessed with enormous potential despite its current security and economic challenges.

He expressed hope that Nigeria would eventually overcome insecurity through collective efforts involving citizens, security agencies and the international community.

According to him, the root causes of insecurity include poverty, ignorance, unemployment and social injustice.

He therefore called for lasting solutions capable of addressing the socio-economic conditions fuelling violent crimes and banditry across affected communities.

The Federal Government has in recent years intensified military operations against bandits and terrorist groups across northern Nigeria.

Security agencies have continued aerial bombardments and coordinated ground offensives targeting criminal hideouts in forests across Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina and neighbouring states.

Authorities have repeatedly insisted that armed groups must surrender unconditionally and warned against any actions capable of legitimising criminal activities.

Meanwhile, security experts remain divided over the effectiveness of negotiation with bandits, with some supporting dialogue as a strategy for reducing violence while others argue that it emboldens criminal elements.

Gumi Denies Supporting Bandits, Threatens Legal Action